On the surface, Patrick Corbett ’21 might seem like an unlikely college professor. He dropped out of college twice before finding his path. Today, however, those struggles have shaped him into an energetic and passionate Industrial Electricity professor at his alma mater, Onondaga Community College.
Micron Technology brought energy, inspiration, and opportunity to Central New York with a dynamic week dedicated to building the region’s future STEM workforce. Its Community Week kicked off on Monday, March 30, with a lively Careers in Tech event at Onondaga Community College, where students in grades 6 through 12 dove into hands-on STEM activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
There was a time when Nicholas Pangaro wasn't sure he cared about school at all. "There was so much going on in my life. I was in a really bad spot. I doubted myself and my abilities."
During his first semester at Onondaga Community College, the Baldwinsville High School graduate withdrew from his Chemistry and Pre-Calculus classes. The coursework was overwhelming, and he hadn't yet learned how to study effectively or take meaningful notes. He was a first-generation college student who was struggling in his first semester.
Tommy Baker thought his chance at a college degree had slipped away for good.
He had tried in his 20s. He ran out of financial aid. Life moved on. By his late 40s, he had accepted that college just wasn't going to happen.
Then, one Thursday morning last summer, everything changed.
Three former Onondaga Community College student-athletes and two former coaches will be inducted into OCC's Athletics Hall of Fame April 27 during a ceremony in the SRC Arena. The honorees are:
Brittany Cohen, Women’s Basketball
• Brittany earned All-American honors while leading the OCC’s Women’s Basketball team to a National Championship Runner-Up finish in 2010.
• She just completed her 10th season as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at SUNY Potsdam.
Dominic Kastner knows how fortunate he and fellow student veterans are to have the support they receive in Onondaga Community College's Office of Veterans and Military Services. "This is a great school, and we know they don't have all of this at other schools. We have this office and spaces outside this office dedicated to veterans. It's reflective of the college being military friendly."
Throughout the spring semester, we are introducing you to several of our Student Success Navigators. For Onondaga Community College students, they are the dedicated point of contact for support. Student Success Navigators assist with class registration, help students stay on track academically, and connect students with campus resources to support their success.
Aaliyah Ripley
Onondaga Community College proudly celebrated academic excellence as its chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society welcomed 188 outstanding students during a special induction ceremony held March 23 in Storer Auditorium.
These high-achieving students earned their place in PTK through dedication and perseverance. To be eligible for induction, candidates must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program, have completed at least 12 credit hours, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 - an accomplishment that reflects both commitment and scholarly success.
March is Women’s History Month - an opportunity to honor the achievements, leadership, and lasting impact of women in our communities and beyond.
At Onondaga Community College, we are proud to be guided by exceptional women serving in key leadership roles across our campus. Their vision, dedication, and commitment help shape the student experience and support your success every day.
To help you get to know these inspiring leaders and learn more about the work they do, we’re sharing their stories below.
Dana Acee - Assistant Dean of Civic Engagement
